Novel battery anode

Abstract

A relatively thin, flat or planar battery which includes one or more cells, each cell having a planar anode in superposed relationship with a planar cathode and a separator disposed intermediate and extending substantially coextensive the facing surfaces of the anode and cathode and possessing an aqueous electrolyte solution disposed in the central portion of the separator. The end cell anode comprises a zinc sheet carrying a coating of zinc particles wherein both the sheet and the particles are in contact with the electrolyte.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a planar battery which comprises, in combination and in superposed relationship, electrical energy generating components including: (a) a planar end cell anode;   (b) a planar cathode comprising manganese dioxide/carbon black superposed substantially coextensive the anode;   (c) a planar separator positioned intermediate and extending substantially coextensive the facing surfaces of the anode and the cathode; and   (d) a solution of an electrolyte comprising ammonium chloride/zinc chloride disposed in the separator and in contact with the facing surfaces of the anode and the cathode;   the improvement which comprises said end cell anode comprising a zinc sheet carrying a layer of zinc particles on the surface thereof next adjacent said cathode, wherein both said sheet and said particles are in contact with said electrolyte.   
     
     
       2. The product of claim 1 wherein said anode includes at least one gas release orifice extending through said sheet normal to its plane. 
     
     
       3. The product of claim 1 wherein the carbon and manganese dioxide are disposed in an electrically conductive ionically permeable polymeric matrix. 
     
     
       4. The product of claim 1 wherein said zinc particle layer includes a polymeric binder. 
     
     
       5. The product of claim 3 wherein the carbon/manganese dioxide mixture is secured to the surface of a conductive carbon retaining polymeric sheet positioned distal the separator. 
     
     
       6. The product of claim 5 wherein a conductive metallic sheet is secured to the surface of the exterior conductive carbon retaining sheet opposite the carbon/manganese mixture. 
     
     
       7. The product of claim 6 wherein the electrolyte is disposed in an ionically permeable polymeric matrix. 
     
     
       8. The product of claim 7 wherein the separator comprises electrolyte permeable fibrous sheet. 
     
     
       9. The product of claim 1 wherein the marginal portions of the separator comprise electrolyte permeable separator sheet impregnated with an electrolyte impermeable thermoplastic polymer in a concentration effective to prevent electrolyte permeation of the marginal portions of the separator sheet. 
     
     
       10. The product as defined in claim 1 which includes a plurality of cells in stacked and series relationship. 
     
     
       11. A planar battery which comprises a plurality of cells which comprise, in order: (a) a planar metal anode;   (b) a planar separator positioned intermediate the facing surfaces of the anode and the cathode;   (c) a solution of an electrolyte comprising ammonium chloride/zinc chloride disposed in said separator and in contact with said anode and said cathode;   (d) a planar cathode comprising manganese dioxide/carbon dioxide; and   (e) a conductive, electrolyte impermeable intercell connector disposed intermediate each consecutive pair of cells; wherein the end cell anode comprises a zinc sheet carrying a layer of zinc particles on the surface thereof next adjacent said cathode; wherein both said sheet and said particles are in contact with said electrolyte.   
     
     
       12. The battery as defined in claim 11 wherein said metal sheet includes at least one gas release orifice extending through said sheet normal to its plane.